A licensed professional nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN) is a trained nurse who can work in various medical fields. LPN/LVN programs can be found at technical schools and community colleges, and after completing training, a person must take an exam to obtain a license. LPNs/LVNs can perform basic vital sign assessments, give injections, and help patients with cleaning, feeding, and comfort needs. They can work in hospitals, convalescent homes, doctors’ offices, and home care. Employment prospects for LPNs/LVNs remain excellent due to the growing demand for qualified nurses.
A licensed professional nurse (LVN), which in many US states is called a licensed practical nurse (LPN), is a trained and educated nurse who can work in many different fields of medicine. Note that the LPN is the most common designation for this profession. Certain states, such as California and Texas, often refer to these nurses as LVNs. This does not mean that an LPN cannot obtain work in these states.
Training to become a licensed professional nurse can vary. It usually includes one to two years of study. Programs to help with this are available at many technical schools and there are many community colleges that also offer LVN or LPN programs. These colleges may offer a combination of preparation to become a licensed professional nurse and an AA or AS degree at the same time. Typically, those who study at vocational or trade schools do not obtain an associate degree, although this varies. Trade school programs can be shorter than those offered at community colleges, especially if students desire an associate’s degree and are thinking about training later to become a registered nurse.
After completing training, a person must take an exam to obtain a license. This is called an NCLEX-PN. It is mandatory in all states. Canada has similar requirements, and with a few extra steps, most people can easily be licensed as a registered nurse in the US or Canada, regardless of which country they trained in. Individuals should contact the Board of Nursing in the state they live in to ask about requirements they may need to meet to obtain the license if they have not been trained in that state or country.
There are many different types of care that a licensed professional nurse is trained to perform. He or she can do basic vital sign assessments, observe patients and report findings to registered nurses or physicians, give injections, and help patients with cleaning, feeding, and comfort needs. The work performed may depend on where the nurse works.
There is some difference in whether a licensed professional nurse can start IV drips or administer certain medications. This depends on what the state allows and will vary. Various other responsibilities depend on where the nurse works and can include anything from patient and family education to helping fill out office paperwork or filling out insurance forms. LVNs can be called the “janes of all trade” because their competence can be needed in many areas.
There is work available for these nurses in hospitals, convalescent homes and doctors’ offices. Some nurses work in the home care field and others prefer to work with a specific group of patients. There are some opportunities to specialize in certain areas.
Employment prospects for the licensed professional nurse job remain excellent due to the growing demand for qualified nurses. These nurses cannot perform all the things required by nurses and earn less money on average. There are also risks on the job, as nursing can regularly bring people into contact with contagious diseases and contaminated blood and other bodily fluids.
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